Find answers to the most frequently asked questions from prospective students and current students.
Don't see your question here? Then please e-mail it to us at gcounsel@ics.uci.edu.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT FAQ »
How long does it take for a decision to be reached on my application?
Decisions are ongoing, therefore, you may hear as early as March or as late as May/June.
You will be notified of the final decision via online tracker. We cannot provide you with the final decision over the phone or through email.
When will I be notified of my funding offer?
If funding has been awarded, notification will be included with your admissions offer.
How will I know if my file is missing any documents or whether my file is complete?
Applicants may login to the online GATS TRACKER to check for application materials received.
Do I need to take the GRE General Exam?
Yes, a general GRE exam is required from all applicants. GRE scores are good for five years, after which time the exam must be repeated.
Only the general exam is required; we do not require the subject GRE exam, although it is recommended for applicants without a background in Computer Science or a related area.
If my undergraduate degree is not in the same area as the graduate degree in which I am interested, can I still apply?
Yes, but it is helpful if you have taken courses in computer science and math, and/or have some work experience.
Do I have to submit online letters of recommendation?
You may elect to submit online or hard copy letters of recommendation.
May I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
You may submit as many recommendation letters as you like.
Can I attend part time or take evening classes?
M.S. students may petition to attend part time, but Ph.D. students are required to attend full time.
The School does not offer evening or weekend classes at this time; all classes are offered during the day.
Can I be waived out of the TOEFL requirement?
ICS will only waive the TOEFL requirement if a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. degree has been completed in the U.S. prior to submitting your application.
Can the application fee be waived or deferred?
No. In order for your application to be processed, the application fee must be received.
Is on-campus housing guaranteed?
On-campus housing is not guaranteed.
Due to the housing wait-list, all applicants are encouraged to apply for housing at the same time they apply for admission.
Can I send photocopies of my transcripts, GRE scores and TOEFL scores?
Only official documents are acceptable in order to complete your application.
Do I need to send bank certification or financial verification at the time of application?
Once admitted, all international students are required to submit a financial questionnaire and financial verification documents.
If I am re-applying to the program, do I need to re-submit all my documents?
You will need to fill out an online application and pay the application fee in order to re-apply to the program.
If you are re-applying within a one-year period, you may re-use the original documents; however, we encourage you to update your file with a new statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. GRE and TOEFL scores must be current at the time of re-application.
Please send an email to gcounsel@ics.uci.edu letting us know which documents you would like to re-use.
If you are re-applying after one year, you will need to re-submit all new documents.
Do you admit for the Winter or Spring quarter?
The Bren School only admits for the Fall quarter.
Who do I contact if I’m having trouble with the online application or if I need to make a correction?
Send an email to the Office of Graduate Studies and let them know of the change or error: ogs@uci.edu.
CURRENT STUDENTS FAQ »
Who do I see regarding the TA/Reader assignments?
The Department Managers.
Do I need to submit a TA/Reader application for each quarter?
You'll need to submit a TA/Reader application each quarter you wish to serve as a TA/Reader.
When will I be informed of the TA/Reader appointments?
You will be notified via email as soon as you are assigned.
Do I need to fill out a TA/Reader application if I'm on a TA fellowship?
Yes.
If I've been assigned as a TA/Reader, do I get academic credit?
Yes, each quarter you are assigned as a TA/Reader, you will receive four units of academic credit by signing up for ICS 399.
Who can sign my add/drop card for ICS 399?
The Graduate Counselors can sign the add/drop card for ICS 399.
How do I advance to candidacy for the Masters degree?
You will need to fill out and submit the Advancement to Candidacy form one quarter prior to when you expect your M.S. degree to be conferred.
What do I need to do in order to obtain my Masters degree?
One quarter before you expect your M.S. degree to be conferred, you will need to advance to candidacy for the M.S. degree.
Please check with the Student Affairs Office on the exact due dates for each quarter.
How often can I go on a Leave of Absence?
Up to three quarters total.
What is the Leave of Absence deadline?
Friday of the second week of classes.
What is the deadline to apply for part-time status?
Wednesday of the third week of classes.
Can a Ph.D. student apply for part-time status?
No, only Masters' students are eligible to apply for part-time status.
What is the composition of the Ph.D. advancement committee?
The Ph.D. advancement committee is a five member committee, with your advisor as your chair, two other Bren School members from your department, one Bren School faculty outside your department and a non-Bren School UCI faculty member.
Can I combine my Ph.D. advancement and my topic defense?
Yes, with the consent of your advisor.
